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| Benedict Cumberbatch |
Compelling, intense true story help make "The Imitation Game" the real thing
The numbers don't lie, though the provocative and powerful new drama "The Imitation Game" tells the true story of a man who tried to hide behind them, in spite of doing some genuinely great things for his country. English mathematician and logician, Alan Turing (Cumberbatch), along with a group of motley but brilliant code breakers (including Keira Knightley and Matthew Goode) helps crack the Nazi Enigma code during World War II, though his arrest for indecency for being homosexual threatened to scar his great achievements. Directed by Norwegian director Morten Tyldum ("Headhunters") and written by Graham Moore, it's a fascinating portrait of an awkward, brilliantly smart boy who grew to become an awkward, brilliantly smart man who essentially became the father of codebreakers and computers science. "Imitation Game" is a handsome, slick production, superbly portrayed by Cumberbatch and Knightley, who'll likely receive many accolades for their moving performances here, as well as a strong supporting cast in Mark Strong, Goode and "Downton Abbey's" Allen Leech. Cumberbatch is especially strong in a poignant role that shows a little more range for the Emmy-winning actor from the TV series "Sherlock." The handsome score by acclaimed composer Alexander Desplat and rich cinematography from Oscar Faura ("The Impossible") also adds some pensive texture to the film. "The Imitation Game" glosses over some significant elements to the film and remarkably, provides little insight into any personal relationships after the war; as well, the epilogue, while giving an update on Turing, doesn't tell what happened to the rest of the gang (and while their assemblage seems a little contrived for cinematic purposes, they all really existed). Though Turing was later exonerated for the indecency charges, Turing's story was otherwise not a hopeful one (Google his story and you'll find out), though "The Imitation Game" tries to right the wrong by celebrating the legacy of his work and less on his personal life. Compelling, intense and expertly acted, "The Imitation Game" is genuinely satisfying and the sleeper hit of the season. With some help from the Weinstein's, who know a little about winning Oscars, will try to do the same for this film with the same momentum that won "The King's Speech" Oscars a few years ago. Definitely worth a look.
Opens Christmas Day
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